..and much much more

Tag Archives: Mahadev

‘The Immortals of Meluha’ is one atypical piece of writing. I was actually captivated by the cover design when I first saw it at Landmark, Baroda. This book can be considered in a new genre – mythological fiction. You come across various mythological characters but more into a ‘humanized’ form. Have you ever thought as to what if Gods were not immortal beings but mere mortals? Mere mortals whose good deeds, have passed on over generations, as praises and stories to a stronger belief that they are immortals. Lord Shiva is considered to be one of the Gods in the Holy Trinity (Lord Brahma the Creator, Lord Vishnu the sustainer and Lord Shiva the destroyer). In this book too, Shiva is considered to be a man, a tribal leader from a Tibetan Tribe arriving to Meluha, a powerful and near perfect empire created by Lord Ram and is destined to be the destroyer of evil. A man who shall rise up to the challenges in his path and become an Idol, a God of Gods or Mahadev.
The message of the novel as I envisaged is Every single person have it in him/her to be a God. One has to identify his/her true potential and rise to the occasion when need arrives.
Shiva is portrayed with wider range of in depth character and emotions: A man who follows his heart and instincts, a man of valor and honor, a performer and a fierce fighter, a man who cares and loves everyone unconditionally, a man tormented by a past that haunts him and a man bemused about his destiny. His character as human is very much convincing.
The novel set in 1900BC begins with Shiva portrayed as leader of a Tibetian tribe called Gunas who have constant wars waged with Pakritis another tribe over control of the Manasarovar Lake. Along with his tribe, he is offered better living conditions in Peace in the empire of Meluha. However he has to face his destiny. The events and circumstances occur in his life after his arrival at Meluha that brings out the God in him or the legend that is Lord Shiva.
The Author has tried to mix the Hindu mythology and History of Civilizations and is just about successful in doing so. Well, one cannot compare the study undergone to works by foreign authors, however Amish has done a fairly decent job. Though there can be a few disagreement on actual history and mythology, please note that this book is true work of fiction. No disclaimer certificate is required, however(I believe so).
Many interpretations of What Evil is, of how rebels arise in society, how to manage a near perfect society, focus of hygiene and health services, war and peace, true meaning of god and immortality, equality are a few that a reader could come across.
In between the read, the story however loses its pace slightly due to poor editing and more of a film script. The colloquial way of dialogue presentation may not go well with many readers. The author sure has his eyes on a movie trilogy credits in mind maybe. Yet another IIM grad into writing.(How do they find time? Efficient time management? 🙂 )
Do check out this promotional trailer. Also here’s the first chapter .. Buy it and enjoy the read.
It took me 5 days to read. Though I started off slowly, soon this book kept me awake into the night and to the end, I got up in between my sleep at about 3.00AM read through to 8.00AM Sunday morning.
I’m eagerly awaiting the rest of the two books of trilogy. Also wishing the author, Amish, all the very best for the rest of the books.
Rate: 6.5 out of 10. Good read.